The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-06-21
BLA1NE,s TRIP.
A Talk With an Intimate Friend OF the
Maine Statesman.

Maine Statesman
A dispatch from Columbus, O.. to the
Cincinnati Enquirer says: Gen. James A.
Hall, of Maine, well known in Ohio as Re
publican stump speaker, was here to-day en-
route to the Hooking Valley, where he has
large mining and iron interests Gem Hail.
as is well known, is a close personal friend
of the Hon. James c. Blaine. and IL in
terests in the Hooking Valley date back to
the organization of the famous Standard
Coal and Iron Company, that figured so
prominently iii the Presidential campaign of
1884, and which it was charged Blaine was
a large stockholder The Standard has had
many ups and downs since its organization,
but has recently been reorganized upon a
substantial basis, and isnow known as the
Ohio and Western Coal and Iron COMPANY
Gen Hall is a prominent figure in the new
company, and holds a responsible official
position in it, which makes his presence in
Ohio necessary at this time.
Meeting him tonight at the Neil House.
your correspondent had very pleasant and
interesting conversation with him, and
found him ready to talk about everything
except the political plans of Names great
statesman. When asked about the proba-
bility of Blaine's being candidate in 1898
the General was inclined to evade the ques-
ton, but at the same time was much inter-
ested in learning the feeling in Ohio for
Sherman, and was anxious to know if he
would have an undivided delegation from
this State in the next National convention
Your correspondent called Gen. Halls at
tention to the fact that he had in 81 or '82,
while in this city in company with Blaine
predicted, i'll the presence of the writer, the
nomination of the man from Maine by the
convention of 1884, and suggested that mas
much as he proved to be a prophet then he
l,iS ininn ~ of
vention of 1888. -..-....
Said Gen. Hall: 81 don't believe there are
three men living, aside from Mr.. Blaine
himself, who know his intentions regarding
'SS. Politics is subject he will not talk
about even to his closest friends. Time and
again friends have attempted to get an ex-
preston from him regarding the future, but
all to no purpose Whenever the subject is
touched upon he makes no reply, but in
his shrewd way Immediately begins
talking about something else. 1
last saw him about ten DAYS
before he sailed for Europe. 1t was at Au-
gusta, and he was sitting in his carriage
near the depot awaiting the arrival of a
train. was to take the train for which he
was waiting, and was on my way to the
depot when he called to ME. Going over to
his carriage he said: Hall, get in here. 1
want to talk with you.' l got in and
we were together about fifteen minutes.
During all that time he talked of moth
ing but his proposed European trip. l
thought I'd draw him out and, if possible,
get hint as to his intentions for next year.
Said 7: 'How long do you intend to remain
abroadr To which he replied About
year or a year and half 'Whatp said l,
you don't mean TO say that you will be out
of the country when the great battle of 1888
opens2 Why, that would be like the play of
Hamlet with Hamlet left out to have the
convention meet and its candidate out of
the country
''Said he: Hall, I'm going abroad for rest
and recreation; it is my intention now to
remain at least year, and perhaps longer,
if Mrs. Blaine, the girls and myself like the
Old World. The time of our return will de-
pend entirely upon our feelings He then
talked about how hard he had worked during
the past twenty-five years; how much he
needed rest, and how he intended, if posi-
bic, to get it while abroad, but never once
alluded to politics in any manner and that
is about the way he talks TO everybody who
tries to feel him on the subject"
''What is Mr.. .Blaine's physical condition,
Generate was asked.
Excellent. haven't seen him looking
better for years. He is the picture of health,
though trifie pale, bu that, you know, is
natural with him. He was always very
light complexioned."